The Missy North Memorial Scholarship

The Missy North Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the late Missy North, wife of Missouri pork producer Bob North. She loved raising pigs, and was very active in the industry. Bob and his family are making the scholarship available to a deserving student aspiring to play a role in the pork industry. They are partnering with the Missouri Pork Association to select candidates. A scholarship in the amount of $2,500 was awarded at the Missouri Pork Expo on February 12, 2019.

The 2018 winner was Marlena Long, a senior at Paris R-II High School from Paris. Marlena is the daughter of Greg and Laura Long of Paris, Missouri. She has shown hogs for many years and recently began raising her own pigs to show and sell to others. By taking college-level courses in high school, Marlena graduated with enough credits to enter college as a junior.

While in high school, Marlena is actively involved in her FFA and 4-H chapter. She is the current president of the Paris FFA and the Area IV FFA. In 2017, Marlena was a member of the 1st Place state Sales Team which went on to place 2nd in the nation. In 2018, Marlena was a member of the 1st place Meats Team that went on to finish 5th in the nation—she was 1st place individual at state and 10th individual in the nation. Marlena is treasurer of the National Honor Society and class vice president. Other school activities include golf, basketball and cheerleading.

Marlena is also president of the Eager Beaver 4-H Club and treasurer of the Missouri Shorthorn Association.

After graduating this May, Marlena plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She then hopes to obtain an advanced degree in swine research or veterinary science.